Poll: What should the next move be?

Dean Lombardi’s next move will be a very interesting one. After tomorrow, the Kings have 52 regular-season games remaining. What does Lombardi do with the coach’s seat? John Stevens is the interim coach, but it doesn’t seem as though he’s destined to hold that title for long. That’s not set in stone, but Lombardi easily, today, could have tabbed Stevens as the coach for the rest of the season, and he didn’t. That says something.

Beyond that, the fan-generated chatter about Tony Granato and Larry Robinson probably won’t hold water as an option. Both are employed as assistant coaches and the Kings would have to get permission to even speak with them. Darryl Sutter is an obvious candidate, given Lombardi’s previous ties with him and his long-held affection for Sutter’s coaching ability. Mark Morris is the Manchester coach who is familiar with the organization and many players. Or, it could be someone completely off the board. Regardless, it’s hard to understate the importance of Lombardi’s next hire. It will be his third head coach, and most general managers don’t get much rope beyond that. If the Kings don’t improve, Lombardi will quickly be the next one under fire. What do you think he should do?